burberry landscapes
Burberry Landscapes is a series of larger-than-life earth works inspired by the iconic Burberry Check using only natural materials, in pursuit of strict sustainable practices.
We spent nine months in Research & Development to ensure the save execution at a UNESCO site in the Canary Isalnds, alongside growing plants from seed to install in South Africa.
When it came to the shoot, we did this entirely remotely to continue to commitment to sustainibilty. Sharing in real time to clients in London the landscapes coming to life with the use of drone technology to capture the scale.
El Hierro, Canary Islands – Elsie Burberry
Inspired by adventurer Elsie Burberry’s voyages to the Canary Islands, the island of El Hierro’s volcanic ground acted as a natural canvas for the Burberry Check. Created using natural milk-based paint, Cuban- American contemporary artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada brought the Burberry Check colours to life.
‘One of the things I enjoy about using this paint process is that it’s created from minerals. So, as you’re mixing your colours, it’s like alchemy. You don’t really know what amount works in one moment or another moment, because each type is going to come with a certain density and coverage and another comes with a different one. All of it unfolds before you, so you can enjoy mixing in the moment.’
– Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada
This vast natural illustration was carefully washed away with manual turning, wind and local water sources to leave no lasting mark on the landscape. The full process was approved and monitored by El Hierro’s official Environmental Department.
Western Cape, South Africa – Betty Kirby-Green
The Burberry Check meadow lay in South Africa’s Overberg region, Western Cape and near to where record- breaking co-pilots Betty Kirby-Green and Flying Officer Arthur Clouston landed The Burberry plane into Cape Town. The vibrant display was hand-planted by expert local green teams to match the iconic colours of the Burberry Check. The meadow was nurtured and grown using water sourced from a rainfall catchment dam.
To ensure the pasture meadow was returned to its original state, the plants were turned over to break down naturally and compost back into the earth.
Services: Executive producer, Artbuyer, Brand production partner